scholarly journals Selection of non-target Lepidoptera species to test Bt maize effects in the laboratory: which species and how to breed them?

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
pp. 45-65
Author(s):  
Andreas Lang ◽  
Matthias Dolek ◽  
Marina S. Lee ◽  
Anja Freese-Hager ◽  
Mathias Otto
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Test Species ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Future Assessment ◽  
Great Utility ◽  
Maize Cultivation ◽  
Systematic Selection ◽  
Laboratory Maintenance

Bt maize targeting Lepidopteran pests poses potential risks for non-target (NT) butterflies and moths which are addressed in the environmental risk assessment of genetically modified crop plants. For this purpose, eco-toxicological tests are often conducted with specific NT species in the laboratory in order to assess possible adverse effects. As only a limited number of surrogate species can be addressed, the choice of focal species to be tested is an important decision. However, practical and standardised selection procedures have hardly been developed and applied for NTLepidoptera, so far. Here, we present a transparent and systematic selection process of suitable test species for Germany, involving selection criteria such as exposure to Bt maize, habitat range and laboratory maintenance of the species. As a result, we compiled a list of 15 lepidopteran species particularly appropriate for testing the adverse effects of Bt maize in the laboratory. In addition, we collected and reviewed published reports for breeding methods of Lepidoptera, which provides essential information on maintaining lab stocks of NTLepidoptera. The presented selection procedure allows focusing on the relevant test species in a transparent and reproducible way, and supplies the breeding knowledge required to breed and maintain them, which will be of great utility for the future assessment on possible risks of Bt maize cultivation to non-target Lepidoptera.

scholarly journals A Procedure to Support Systematic Selection of Leading Indicators for Sustainability Performance Measurement of Circular Economy Initiatives

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariia Kravchenko ◽  
Daniela C. A. Pigosso ◽  
Tim C. McAloone
Keyword(s):  
Circular Economy ◽  
Business Processes ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Resource Scarcity ◽  
Sustainability Performance ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Corporate Context ◽  
Systematic Selection ◽  
Selection Of

Circular economy (CE) is considered a vital model to tackle resource scarcity and reduce waste by promoting strategies that redefine production and consumption systems. Industrial actors integrate CE principles in their strategic and operational practices to overcome these challenges, simultaneously aiming at enhancing their sustainability performance. Despite numerous frameworks to guide organizations in innovating towards CE, very few have embedded explicit sustainability considerations to assist practitioners in understanding the potential sustainability performance of the CE initiatives early in the development process. To assist a structured process of measuring sustainability performance, the main goal of this paper is to propose a procedure for a systematic selection of suitable leading performance indicators to support an informed sustainability-oriented decision-making process. To fulfill this aim, a hypothetical-deductive approach has been followed to, firstly, develop the selection procedure, and secondly, evaluate and improve it using a case study approach. The findings reveal that the procedure enables a systematic selection of relevant indicators by taking into account the manifold combinations of CE strategies and business processes, characteristics of the company and its sustainability objective. Different from many other approaches, the novelty lies in relying on a dynamic, as opposed to ‘prescriptive’, indicator selection process to induce learning about sustainability considerations significant for a particular CE initiative and corporate context.

scholarly journals Selection of Ground Motion Prediction Equations for the Global Earthquake Model

2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P. Stewart ◽  
John Douglas ◽  
Mohammad Javanbarg ◽  
Yousef Bozorgnia ◽  
Norman A. Abrahamson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ground Motion ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Empirical Models ◽  
Motion Prediction ◽  
Ground Motion Prediction Equations ◽  
Prediction Equations ◽  
Ground Motion Prediction ◽  
Intensity Measures ◽  
Earthquake Model

Ground motion prediction equations (GMPEs) relate ground motion intensity measures to variables describing earthquake source, path, and site effects. From many available GMPEs, we select those models recommended for use in seismic hazard assessments in the Global Earthquake Model. We present a GMPE selection procedure that evaluates multidimensional ground motion trends (e.g., with respect to magnitude, distance, and structural period), examines functional forms, and evaluates published quantitative tests of GMPE performance against independent data. Our recommendations include: four models, based principally on simulations, for stable continental regions; three empirical models for interface and in-slab subduction zone events; and three empirical models for active shallow crustal regions. To approximately incorporate epistemic uncertainties, the selection process accounts for alternate representations of key GMPE attributes, such as the rate of distance attenuation, which are defensible from available data. Recommended models for each domain will change over time as additional GMPEs are developed.

scholarly journals A Multi-criteria Approach in the Project Selection Process in Multi-Project Context

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (6) ◽  
pp. 125
Author(s):  
Charles Éric Manyombé ◽  
Sébastien H. Azondékon
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Project Selection ◽  
Project Portfolio ◽  
Organizational Complexity ◽  
Scarce Resources ◽  
Project Environment ◽  
Effective Decision ◽  
Effective Decision Making

In a multi-project environment, organizational complexity refers to the difficulties that organizations often face in choosing projects to build their portfolios, since they do not aim to achieve the same strategic business objectives. It is for this reason that the project selection process requires the implementation of an effective decision-making tool when composing a project portfolio. The objective of this paper is to propose an adapted framework for a better project selection procedure inspired by the approaches of strategic relevance, profitability criteria, uncertainty, and risk analysis, the ability to dispose of scarce resources, and the determination of interdependencies between different projects. 

scholarly journals Selection of the most adequate trip-modelling tool for integrated transport planning system

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Sawicki ◽  
Marcin Kiciński ◽  
Szymon Fierek
Keyword(s):  
Selection Criteria ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Regional Scale ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Planning System ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Transport Planning ◽  
Phase Selection ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Selection Of

This paper deals with the problem of selection the most suitable trip-modelling tool (TMT), which is a part of the more complex integrated transport planning system (ITPS) at the regional scale. Since an application of TMT is not autonomous and several different users exist the selection problem is not a trivial. In this paper, an original five-phase selection procedure is presented. The first phase consists in specifica¬tion of both, detailed expectations of all identified users and technical requirements of ITPS. Second phase deals with research on available TMT while a third one is concentrated on defining a comprehensive set of criteria. In this phase critical criteria as well as selection criteria are defined. First one is utilised to eliminate unacceptable TMTs in phase four and second one to evaluate and select most adequate TMT in phase five. In the paper an exemplary application of this procedure is presented. The authors have defined 2 critical criteria and a set of 19 selection criteria. The last one is divided into 3 main subsets, i.e. functional, technical and financial contexts of selection process. All the selection criteria are characterised by 43 sub-criteria and some of them are more detailed extended. Using this procedure 3 out of 6 alternative TMTs including Emme, Aimsun and Visum have been initially accepted and next evaluated. Finally, Visum has been selected and recommended for application into ITPS.

Systematic Process Selection in Mechanical Design

1996 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amal M. K. Esawi ◽  
Michael F. Ashby
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing Process ◽  
Mechanical Design ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Manufacturing Processes ◽  
Process Selection ◽  
Systematic Selection ◽  
Cost Penalty ◽  
The Right ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Manufacturing Process Selection

Abstract There has been a recent awareness of the importance of making the right manufacturing decisions early in the design process before the cost penalty of making changes becomes too high. The selection of the most appropriate manufacturing process — of which there are a very large number — is one such decision. It is commonly based on human-resident experience or on established local practice. As such, some potentially-usable processes may be overlooked. This paper explores ways in which process selection might be made more systematic. It presents a procedure for manufacturing process selection which considers all manufacturing processes and eliminates the ones which cannot satisfy the design requirements. This is achieved using Process Selection Charts in which process capabilities are displayed graphically. A procedure for the ranking of the successful processes based on cost is under development. The systematic selection procedure lends itself well to computer implementation. A database of manufacturing processes and an advanced user interface thus provide ideal support for designers. Cambridge Materials Selector (CMS) software is currently being applied to manufacturing process selection.

The effect of transient characteristics on optimization of fixed-bed regenerators (FBRs)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-31
Author(s):  
Hadi Ramin ◽  
Easwaran N Krishnan ◽  
Gurubalan Annadurai ◽  
Carey J. Simonson
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Fixed Bed ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
Design Parameters ◽  
Variable Load ◽  
Outlet Temperature ◽  
Heating And Cooling ◽  
Temperature Swing ◽  
Pareto Fronts ◽  
Careful Design

Abstract Fixed-bed regenerators (FBRs) have high sensible effectiveness, making them an energy-efficient Air-to-Air Energy Recovery Exchanger (AAEE) to reduce the energy consumption for ventilation in buildings. FBRs operate by alternately storing and releasing heat in fixed bed exchangers, which results in outlet temperatures that vary with time during both heating and cooling periods. This variation in FBR's outlet temperature adds a new optimization variable that needs to be considered when designing FBRs. For example, in HVAC systems, Careful design is required to prevent large variations in FBR's outlet temperature (Temperature Swing (TS)), which might deteriorate occupant thermal comfort and introduce a variable load on the HVAC system. In this paper, a correlation for TS is developed as a function of FBR design parameters. FBRs optimization is performed considering TS as an additional objective to the traditional parameters of exchanger effectiveness, pressure drop, payback period, and mass. A selection procedure (decision making) is also integrated into the optimization process to select optimized FBRs from Pareto fronts. The results show that when TS is included as an additional objective to the optimization and selection process, the selected optimized FBRs have higher mass and effectiveness.

Structure and Sense Organs of Ovipositors of an Endoparasitoid Aprostocetus causalis and an Ectoparasitoid Quadrastichus mendeli in Leptocybe spp.

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 250-256
Author(s):  
Zong-You Huang ◽  
Si-Yan Li ◽  
Wen Lu ◽  
Xia-Lin Zheng
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Transmission Electron Microscopy ◽  
Host Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Sense Organs ◽  
Gall Wasp ◽  
Essential Information ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Host Detection ◽  
Eucalyptus Gall Wasp

AbstractLittle is known of the olfactory mechanisms of host detection in the ovipositors of endoparasitoids and ectoparasitoids. An endoparasitoid Aprostocetus causalis La Salle & Wu (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) and an ectoparasitoid Quadrastichus mendeli Kim & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae) are the two parasitoids of the eucalyptus gall wasp Leptocybe spp. Structures and sense organs of ovipositors of A. causalis and Q. mendeli were studied using scanning and transmission electron microscopy, which provided essential information for exploring the mechanism of host detection by endoparasitoid and ectoparasitoid. The ovipositors of two parasitoids consisted of the first and second valvulae and ended in a pointed tip. There were three types of microtrichia, two types of sensilla chaetica, and one type of sensilla campaniformia on the ovipositors of A. causalis and Q. mendeli. However, Q. mendeli has the fourth type of microtrichia on the ovipositor. The morphology, types, distribution, length, and width of these sensilla and microtrichia were described, and their possible functions are discussed in conjunction with the stinging, oviposition, and the host selection process.

scholarly journals Understanding interactions in face-to-face and remote undergraduate science laboratories: a literature review

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jianye Wei ◽  
David F. Treagust ◽  
Mauro Mocerino ◽  
Anthony D. Lucey ◽  
Marjan G. Zadnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Selection Process ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
Student Interactions ◽  
Future Directions ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Remote Laboratories ◽  
Science Laboratories ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Systematic Selection ◽  
Undergraduate Science

AbstractThis paper reviews the ways in which interactions have been studied, and the findings of such studies, in science education in both face-to-face and remote laboratories. Guided by a systematic selection process, 27 directly relevant articles were analysed based on three categories: the instruments used for measuring interactions, the research findings on student interactions, and the theoretical frameworks used in the studies of student interactions. In face-to-face laboratories, instruments for measuring interactions and the characterisation of the nature of interactions were prominent. For remote laboratories, the analysis of direct interactions was found to be lacking. Instead, studies of remote laboratories were mainly concerned with their practical scope. In addition, it is found that only a limited number of theoretical frameworks have been developed and applied in the research design. Existent theories are summarised and possible theoretical frameworks that may be implemented in studies of interactions in undergraduate laboratories are proposed. Finally, future directions for research on the inter-relationship between student interactions and laboratory learning are suggested.

scholarly journals Do Low-Openness, Low-Transparency Procedures in Academic Hiring Disadvantage Women?

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sofia Moratti
Keyword(s):  
Gender Inequality ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Science And Technology ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Selection Procedure ◽  
European Studies ◽  
Gender Balance ◽  
And Gender ◽  
High Degree ◽  
High Share

Research has shown that low openness and low transparency in the process of recruitment of new (associate) professors put women at a systematic disadvantage. Examples include professorships awarded by direct invitation (as opposed to job calls); contexts where nominally open job calls routinely get only one applicant; and procedural rules that allow the filtering out of qualified applicants without sharing the grounds of the decision with the candidates. We investigated one decade (2007–2017) of hiring of new (associate) professors in one Faculty at the largest university in Norway, the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) (n = 79). The Faculty is a highly gender-equal setting, in that the share of women among associate professors has been >40% for over a decade. We found (1) a high share (about 40%) of women among applicants, maintained among winners; (2) a very sporadic use of direct invitations (two in a decade) and no sign that their use advantages men; (3) no nominally ‘open’ job calls with only one applicant; (4) no disadvantage for women when the pool of applicants is small; (5) no systematic filtering out of women when low-transparency internal formal preselection procedures are used because of organizational contingencies (e.g., a high number of applicants). We found an overall high degree of openness in the selection procedure when compared to other Scandinavian and Western European studies. Contrary to our expectations (based on the relevant literature), we found no link between low openness in the selection process and gender inequality in the outcome. The latter finding must be interpreted in context. We conclude that the overall good gender balance locally is an antidote to the potential biasing effect of low-openness and low-transparency procedures, so long as such procedures are used only exceptionally, and their use is clearly tied with organizational contingencies. At the same time, we found no indication that low-openness and low-transparency procedures systematically advantage women.

scholarly journals Risks of hormonally active pharmaceuticals to amphibians: a growing concern regarding progestagens

2014 ◽  
Vol 369 (1656) ◽  
pp. 20130577 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moa Säfholm ◽  
Anton Ribbenstedt ◽  
Jerker Fick ◽  
Cecilia Berg
Keyword(s):  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Special Reference ◽  
Environmental Exposure ◽  
Reproductive Cycle ◽  
Sex Differentiation ◽  
Reproductive Toxicity ◽  
Test Species ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Critical Phases ◽  
Water Borne

Most amphibians breed in water, including the terrestrial species, and may therefore be exposed to water-borne pharmaceuticals during critical phases of the reproductive cycle, i.e. sex differentiation and gamete maturation. The objectives of this paper were to (i) review available literature regarding adverse effects of hormonally active pharmaceuticals on amphibians, with special reference to environmentally relevant exposure levels and (ii) expand the knowledge on toxicity of progestagens in amphibians by determining effects of norethindrone (NET) and progesterone (P) exposure to 0, 1, 10 or 100 ng l −1 (nominal) on oogenesis in the test species Xenopus tropicalis . Very little information was found on toxicity of environmentally relevant concentrations of pharmaceuticals on amphibians. Research has shown that environmental concentrations (1.8 ng l −1 ) of the pharmaceutical oestrogen ethinylestradiol (EE 2 ) cause developmental reproductive toxicity involving impaired spermatogenesis in frogs. Recently, it was found that the progestagen levonorgestrel (LNG) inhibited oogenesis in frogs by interrupting the formation of vitellogenic oocytes at an environmentally relevant concentration (1.3 ng l −1 ). Results from the present study revealed that 1 ng NET l −1 and 10 ng P l −1 caused reduced proportions of vitellogenic oocytes and increased proportions of previtellogenic oocytes compared with the controls, thereby indicating inhibited vitellogenesis. Hence, the available literature shows that the oestrogen EE 2 and the progestagens LNG, NET and P impair reproductive functions in amphibians at environmentally relevant exposure concentrations. The progestagens are of particular concern given their prevalence, the range of compounds and that several of them (LNG, NET and P) share the same target (oogenesis) at environmental exposure concentrations, indicating a risk for adverse effects on fertility in exposed wild amphibians.

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